Chelsea target Alex Scott has reportedly rejected Bournemouth’s latest offer to extend his contract, which would have made him the club’s highest-ever earner. The midfielder’s snub has left the Cherries uncertain about their 23-year-old England international’s intentions.
The proposed deal would have smashed the club-record wages given to Antoine Semenyo, thought to be around £150,000 per week. Scott, however, believes the time is right to move on from the Vitality Stadium, and he feels he can get that kind of money and more elsewhere.
Scott’s stock has rocketed in the last year, and his recent call-up to the England senior squad has only increased his appeal. Bournemouth now believe his value on the transfer market has crossed the £100m threshold, and his representatives are already looking at options ahead of the January transfer window.
Chelsea remain very interested in the midfielder and are being kept updated on any developments. The Blues could make another move if an opportunity arises, after seeing a £64m bid rejected during the summer.
Xabi Alonso’s men were left light in midfield after the £125m deadline-day move of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City. Liverpool are also watching developments, with ex-Cherries boss Andoni Iraola believed to be keen to bring Scott to Anfield. Bournemouth, meanwhile, have repeatedly denied bids for their midfielder, while insisting that he is under no pressure to leave.
Earlier this week, it was claimed that Bournemouth would entertain bids of around £100m for Scott in January, provided they are out of the Premier League relegation threat zone. Scott is currently sidelined with a thigh injury, but is expected to return to full fitness well before the winter window opens.
Thomas Tuchel: “Alex Was in the Highest Level”
England boss Thomas Tuchel has praised Alex Scott after his sensational first start for the Three Lions earlier this month. Scott starred in the 7-0 Nations League rout of Croatia in Rijeka, playing 70 minutes alongside Elliot Anderson.
Scott had appeared as a substitute in England’s 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic in Prague four days earlier. With Declan Rice absent from the squad, he was asked whether the Arsenal midfielder may be concerned about his place, and responded:
“Of course, and he does, we need performances like this. This is just the nature of it. We will not survive on two central midfielders.
“Declan knows about his importance, and he’s one of the very best midfielders in Europe. Nothing will change that. But it’s exactly what we need. We need more, more, more, more variety. We need more, more, more options. Then it’s always about the guys who are in camp. Alex was in the highest level.”
Unfortunately for Scott and England, he was forced to withdraw from the squad two days later after picking up a thigh injury in Croatia. Bournemouth boss Marco Rose has since confirmed the midfielder is expected to be out for four to five weeks.